Frank Mueller

Thursday, April 4, 2024.

     He was born on June 15, 1948, in New York City, New York to Paul E. and Pheobe (Lange)Mueller.  The oldest of two children, Franklin spent most of his life in Brooklyn, New York. He lived a full and gratifying life and was loved by friends and family for his creativity, quick wit, humor, and loyalty.

      Franklin attended Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn. While in high school, and with grit and determination that defined each chapter of his life, Franklin taught himself to play bass guitar and started a neighborhood band with close friends. 

     On January 20, 1967, he married “the girl next door”, Marjorie (Malara), and shortly after they welcomed their only child, Sandra.  Marjorie preceded him in death on September 9, 2020.

     Franklin had always been good with numbers and early in life he was interested in history, geography, politics, and current events.  He had a passion for rock music and took on various jobs in accounting and customer service.  Work served the purpose of meeting his family’s basic needs but was not a passion for him. Franklin focused most of his energy on caring for his young family and promoting his rock band, “The Harlots of 42nd Street”, in which he was the bass guitarist.  Within the past decade and with the wonder of the World Wide Web, it was his joy to have had his band re-discovered and to have heard from fans who recognized the part this band played in the Glitter Punk music genre within New York City in the early 1970’s.

     As time went on, Franklin took on the responsibilities of being a support to his wife as they became care givers for their loved ones.  Additionally, he came to know God and accept Jesus as his Lord and savior.  To his immediate family, this was a profound change in his life, that he lived into without loud proclamations.  As a result, he became a spiritual role-model to family members, who witnessed him as he endeavored to embody the characteristics of Christ.

     In 2001, Franklin and Margie moved to Hays, Kansas to be closer to their daughter, Sandra, and granddaughters, Briana, and Alexandra.  Having been a fan of westerns his whole life – with numerous childhood pictures of him wearing fringed chaps, a double holster, boots, and a hat –Franklin enjoyed the history of Hays, Kansas as it came to be his home.  Proximity and time spent together has been a treasure we will always cherish.

      Franklin received quality care from the providers in Hays and we want to extend our sincere thanks to all the providers who supported him in meeting his health needs.

      Franklin was a devoted husband, supportive father, and loving grandfather.  Left to cherish him and share his legacy are his daughter, Sandra Mueller Aldrich, Hays, KS; his granddaughters, Briana Aldrich and Alexandra Aldrich, Hays, KS; his sister, Helena Mueller, Ann Arbor, MI; his brother-in-law, Gerald Malara, Hays, KS; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Malara, Marlboro, NJ; her former son-in-law, Troy Aldrich, LaCrosse, and numerous nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pheobe; his wife, Marjorie; and two brother’s–in–law, Charlie Malara and Elia Malara.

     As a supportive husband, Franklin would encourage friends wanting to honor him to consider contributing memorials to his late wife’s great joy, made payable to: The Friends of the Hays Public Library in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22 nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

     A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Franklin and Marjorie will be held later this summer.

     Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clineschapels@gmail.com or can be left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com